Richmond Bicycle Accident Lawyer

The fall and spring usher forward those perfect weather days when you want to spend the entire day outside, but must travel into your office. The option of cycling into the office offers many urban dwellers the opportunity to enjoy the coolest times of the day (morning and evening), while at the same time enjoying some light exercise. The rising popularity of bicycling has truly taken off in the last five years throughout major urban areas in the country. Cities continue to invest in bicycle infrastructure to protect their bikers and offer them a safe alternative to the heavily congested city streets. However, despite these precautions, and stiff penalties for failure to yield to bicyclists, bicycle accidents continue to be an ongoing problem for bicyclists everywhere and often result in severe injuries. If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident in central Virginia, you should consult an experienced Richmond bicycle accident lawyer as soon as you are able. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.

Bicycle Accident Rates

The bicycle was introduced to the general public in the early nineteenth century and only received a lukewarm response for decades, with occasional surges in popularity. It was not until the 1960s that bicycling truly took off again in the United States, ushering in a trend that has remained pivotal in American culture for decades. Nearly every child is taught to ride a bike at a young age. While many adults rarely ride bikes, the rising trend in bike riding has caused cities to consider new bike lanes to attract and protect these cyclists.

During 2014, there were approximately 746 bicycle accidents, resulting in 705 injuries, and unfortunately 12 fatalities. This number represents a slight increase from 2013, which could be due to a number of factors. One of the main causes of bicycle accidents involves the failure of a car driver to yield to the bicyclist. Cyclists are constantly on the lookout for distracted drivers or who may fail to notice them on the roads. This stressful situation is enough to make many people opt out of bicycling entirely unless it is on a trail.

In 2015, the city of Richmond announced plans to create bike lanes which would span 15 downtown blocks, a popular idea which many major urban centers throughout the country have been proposing. The biker-friendly spot of downtown Richmond would provide protection to cyclists while at the same time allow motor vehicle drivers to continue along their commute without interruption. The introduction of these lanes could help curb the incidence of bicycle accidents, but it does not impact the main issue of driver distraction in bicycle accidents.

Bicycle Accident Recovery

Unfortunately, bicycle accidents often lead to devastating injuries that are unavoidable. While helmets offer some protection to cyclists, they do not protect the rest of the body from extreme injuries. Cars traveling at a high rate of speed can cause enormous damage to a bicyclist. At Christina Pendleton & Associates, our Richmond bicycle accident lawyers have seen firsthand the injuries that can result from bicycle accidents involving speeding cars.

You may bring a claim for your injuries that includes the following:

Medical expenses

Rehabilitation expenses

Lost wages

Future earnings

Pain and suffering

Emotional distress

Loss of consortium

An experienced Richmond personal injury attorney will be able to assist you in calculating out the total amount of damages you are entitled to claim as a result of your injuries.

Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Richmond, VA for a Consultation

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident, do not hesitate to contact the lawyers of Christina Pendleton & Associates. Our attorneys understand the joy of cycling and work hard to protect the sport and its riders from injuries and from the financial repercussions after an accident. Call our office at 804-554-4444 or contact us online today for your free initial legal consultation with a compassionate Richmond bicycle accident lawyer.